Third Wave Terminal - Groove Synthesis - Brooklyn SPEXPO 26

video upload by sonicstate

"Andrew from Groove Synthesis gave us a look at Third Wave Terminal, the new librarian and editor software for the Third Wave synth family. The range now includes the 24-voice desktop, 8-voice desktop and flagship keyboard versions. The software is planned for release very soon.

Third Wave Terminal includes a patch editor with many synth parameters visible at once. Edits made on the synth update on the computer, and edits made in the software update on the hardware. The editor also shows animated wavetable position movement across the three oscillators while notes play.

The librarian manages patch banks, downloads and transfers, with drag-and-drop loading to the synth and double-click auditioning. The wavetable editor includes visualisation, waveform drawing, interpolation and auditioning before transfer. The sample editor loads WAV files and edits start, stop, loop points and gain.

Third Wave Terminal is free for Third Wave owners after account creation and product registration on the Groove Synthesis website.
More Info: https://www.groovesynthesis.com"

Keystone Time Domain Pedals - Brooklyn SPEXPO 26

video upload by sonicstate

"We spoke to Ed from Keystone Musical Instruments about their line of stereo pedals, which focus on time domain processing. The system runs all effects in stereo and uses single TRS link between pedals for MIDI clock distribution, with an external MIDI source feeding the first pedal. These were demonstrated with the help of Fox playing on an iPhone app.

* Pedals:*
Karousel - Rotary / Drive
Kascade - Echo / Bender
Kavern - Plate Reverb / Freeze
Kliptor - Tremolo / Filter
Kontinuum - Delay
Kosmos - Multi Phaser
Kuttor - Slice Shaper

All pedals are available now from Keystone's website at $329 USD each.

More Info: https://www.keystonemusical.com/"

Cosmodio HoroscopeMad Pedals! Brooklyn SPEXPO 26

video upload by sonicstate

"We spoke to Barton from Cosmodio Instruments about Horoscope, the company's newest pedal, with Steve May playing electric violin through the effects. The company now has five pedals, including Pet Yeti, Gravity Well, Glitch Witch and Splinter Twin, but the focus was the newly released Horoscope.

Horoscope is a stereo delay and reverb effect described as an echo sequencer. It turns echo trails into evolving rhythms and melodies by stretching and compressing them in time. It can work as a lush reverb or rhythmic delay, and its sequencer jumps between time divisions manually or at a chosen step rate. Patterns include arpeggiations, fixed 6, 8, 10, 12 or 16-step pseudo-random sequences, and drift, which mutates repeating patterns over time.

Horoscope includes presets, tap tempo, full stereo operation, and customisable CV or expression control over every parameter. It is available now for $349 USD.

More Info: https://cosmo.io"

Daydreamer Wooden Synth 1 - Brooklyn SPEXPO 26

video upload by sonicstate

"Jonathan from Daydreamer showed us Synth 1, an open-source homemade synth, and an early touchscreen visual-audio prototype scope.

Synth 1 uses a Baltic birch plywood case and is built around open-source code and schematics. It has six voices, velocity sensitivity, analog VCOs, an analog filter and analog VCA circuitry. The panel includes oscillator tuning, ADSR controls, global LFO controls, pitch bend support, mod-wheel routing switches, selectable oscillator shapes, noise, filter cutoff, resonance and delay.

The voice allocation depends on oscillator use. With one oscillator per note, it runs as a six-voice polyphonic synth. With two oscillators per note, it gives three notes before note stealing.

The prototype combines internal oscillators with a touchscreen oscilloscope-style display. The X-axis is on the left channel and the Y-axis is on the right, and an external input lets it work as a goniometer. Synth 1 costs $299. The prototype has no final price yet, with availability hoped for next year.

More Info: https://daydreamersynth.com"

Kanawa Music Filternator + Modules - Brooklyn SPEXPO 26

video upload by sonicstate

"We spoke to Scott from Kanawa Music about the company's Eurorack modules. Kanawa Music works from historic instruments and circuits. The filter is based on a 1940s Hammond Solovox design, using induction coils and capacitors that switch in and out. The chorus takes inspiration from Crumar string machines, with an all-analog circuit that stays close to the original architecture.

The oscillator uses early divide-down ideas, but it has 12 independent oscillators. Each oscillator is hand-tunable, so alternative tuning schemes such as Pythagorean tuning are possible. The system also includes filters, phasers, an LFO and a headphone amplifier. The LFO has adjustable bias and inverted outputs for both channels.

In the stereo layout, C through F sit on the left channel, while F-sharp through B sit on the right. A mono version is also available in a case. It uses one side of the system and includes the same phaser, filter and full 61-note polyphony. Pricing is listed on the company website.
More Info: https://kanawamusic.com"

SynthAccess - Tactile and Talking Synths - Brooklyn SPEXPO 26

video upload by sonicstate

"We spoke to the SynthAccess team from NYU Tandon School of Engineering about SynthAccess*, a set of accessibility tools for electronic instruments. *Jason Dasent first ran us through MIDI-to-speech operation on a Novation Summit and an Oberheim TEO-5 synth setup, then Luke DuBois described how the system works.

SynthAccess listens to a synth’s MIDI output and uses JSON mapping files to translate controls, patch names and parameter values into spoken feedback. The mappings cover controls such as filter cutoff, LFO rate, effects levels, envelopes, patch changes and waveform selection. The files are open source, and the team has a GitHub API for creating new instrument definitions (link below).

Then Jason Wallach showed us some of the physical updates being introduced, such as Braille and tactile overlays for synth panels, plus some really cool modular jack identifiers, which use shape, colour and raised or flat surfaces to mark signal type and input/output status. Another haptic prototype uses small vibration motors to represent LFO movement by touch.

The team said support is available for manufacturers, studios and hobbyists working on accessible setups.

More Info: https://engineering.nyu.edu/

https://idmnyu.github.io/synthaccess/"

Cerebellum from Biopower Audio - Brooklyn SPEXPO 26

video upload by sonicstate

"We spoke to Eric from Biopower Audio about Cerebellum a Eurorack module for building complex gate patterns with Boolean logic, XOR and clock division. He also gave us a brief look at the prototype Micro Cerebellum expander and the Striatum sequencer.

Cerebellum uses a four-column, three-row matrix. The rows provide three complex gate outputs, while the columns include their own logic, clock-divider functions and outputs. Internal normalization means the module can run from a single clock at the In All input, while patching can break the normalization at any point. Columns one and three divide by powers of two up to 128, while columns two and four use integer divisions with odd values for polyrhythms. The latching switches select operations such as XOR and AND. XOR adds syncopation, while AND works as a subtractive process. External Euclidean patterns can also feed the inputs for further transformation.

Cerebellum is available now for $440 through Perfect Circuit and Biopower Audio's store.

Micro Cerebellum is expected early next year, with Striatum planned for mid-year.

*More Info*: https://www.biopoweraudio.com/modules |--------|"

Pre-Show Floor Tour - Brooklyn Synth & Pedal Expo 26

video upload by sonicstate

"Our intrepid reporter Matt took an early walk around Brooklyn Synth & Pedal Expo as exhibitors were still setting up, giving a first look at the layout before the main coverage began. The event coveres synths, drum machines, pedals, guitars, modular gear and related accessories across several rooms.

The event is headphones-only, so each stand can be auditioned without the usual show-floor volume buildup. Some exhibitors also offer purchasing options and show discounts."

Introducing UNA: a hands-on hardware composer for keyboard players

video upload by midicake

CHAPTERS 0:00 Intro & capturing a melody 0:16 Parametric sequences: mutes, steps, direction 0:46 Sequencing every parameter 0:57 Chords & chord progressions 1:14 Mixer & rhythm track 1:30 Bass variations with probability 1:41 Modulation 1:57 Soloing over the top 2:13 Patches & patch chains 2:30 Finale: MIDI CC output 2:45 Order UNA"

Midicake UNA Sart MIDI Arpeggiator - SonicLAB Presentation

video upload by sonicstate

"Chris joins us in the studio to show us the new *midicake Una*, a compact MIDI processor and sequencer that takes ideas from MIDI Cake ARP and puts them into a smaller keyboard-focussed format with three intelligent parts driven by MIDI input.

Note: UNA has gained a number of new features and UI improvements since this was filmed, including the Patch Chain and Program Change features mentioned in the video. Head to https://midicake.com/una for what's in the shipping firmware.

UNA is designed to be a musical idea capture device. It uses incoming notes as a harmonic source for three parts: chord, melody and bass. The chord track drives rhythm and harmony, the melody track works as a more complex arpeggiator/sequencer, and the bass track adds generated or edited bass movement. It reverse-engineers played ideas into its parametric sequencing engine rather than simply recording MIDI. It can also be attached to a low cost Android tablet directly for a larger interactive UI to expand control options.

Key features include per-parameter sequencing for pitch, gate, velocity, slice, octave, MIDI channel and delay. It supports ratchets, trills, swing, Euclidean-style mutes and accents, probability-based variation, chord chains, chord suggestions and live play with sustain. Luna also has two MIDI outputs and can route or sequence across multiple MIDI channels.

Una early bird launch offer £399 / $519 / €479 for the first 150 units and sells direct from https://midicake.com"



"Meet Midicake UNA, a hands-on hardware composer for keyboards, synths, and the people who play.

Capture a melody, then play the keyboard. UNA's rhythm, melody and bass tracks follow your chords. Every sequence is parametric and deterministic, so you shape it hands-on and the same settings always give you the same pattern. A pattern is only yours if you can repeat it.

In this video:
• Capture melodies by step recording or in real time
• Change mutes, steps and direction without touching a note
• Step-sequence every main parameter and slice notes
• Chain chords into progressions, and UNA keeps every track in harmony
• Mix tracks and pick from the factory patterns
• Add controlled variation to the bass with probability
• Modulate internal parameters and MIDI CCs with waveforms and step sequences
• Solo over the top with pitch quantisation
• Switch patches on the fly and chain them into patch progressions

Order UNA at https://midicake.com

Designed and built by hand. Free firmware, forever."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Korg OPSIX - 5 Minutes With DEMO

video upload by sonicstate

"Paulee spends some quality time with the (‪@KorgOfficial‬) KORG OPSIX.

They call it the Altered FM synth - and it not only make FM more accessible and tweakable, but adds a bunch of extended FM capabilities to the 6 operator FM synthesis. Additive, Subtractive, Wave folding and more is possible with this little power house. Currently in its MKII format which upgrades the polyphony from 32 to a whopping 64 voices. This was the MK1 but with V2.0 firmware , which added the FX operator type."

Introducing DMNO ON — Desktop Synthesizer

video upload by UDO Audio

"DMNO ON is the full-featured 8-voice, 2-part multi-timbral DMNO synthesizer in a compact desktop format. Built around two independent analog-hybrid synth engines, it retains DMNO’s highly flexible signal architecture, with each engine featuring our new Dynamic Multi-Core Stereo VCF. Eight creative Play Modes unlock dynamic interactions between the two timbres at the touch of a single control, while its flexible analog and digital audio connectivity make it a truly expansive and immediate sound design sandbox.

The ON System allows players to add an optional synth control unit to recreate the dual-panel DMNO interface, or choose from a range of expansion modules to extend it further and build their perfect DMNO. Play ON!

Soundtrack by ‪@hazelmillsmusic‬"

The New UDO DMNO ON! Desktop DMNO - with George Hearn

video upload by sonicstate

"‪@udo_audio‬ has introduced the UDO DMNO ON, a desktop version of its DMNO synthesizer that keeps the full voice count, the hybrid engine and the multi-timbral architecture while doing away with the keyboard. It is not a cut-down instrument: this is a complete 8-voice, 2-part multi-timbral DMNO in a box measuring 487 x 220 x 107mm and weighing 4.5kg, built around the same two independent analog-hybrid synth engines and retaining the flexible signal architecture of the original.

For anyone who liked the sound of DMNO but did not want another keyboard in the room, this could be for you.

DMNO ONE has the same voice architecture as the keyboard."


DMNO ON is the full-featured 8-voice, 2-part multi-timbral DMNO synthesizer in a compact desktop format. Built around two independent analog-hybrid synth engines, it retains DMNO’s highly flexible signal architecture, with each engine featuring our new Dynamic Multi-Core Stereo VCF. Eight creative Play Modes unlock dynamic interactions between the two timbres at the touch of a single control, while its flexible analog and digital audio connectivity make it a truly expansive and immediate sound design sandbox.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Oddment ODD-1 Granular Sampler -5 Minutes With Demo

video upload by sonicstate

"​‪@matthsmatthsmatths‬ spends some quality time with the ‪@oddment-audio‬ Oddment ODD-1 granular sampler. With 4 granular playheads, 2 layers and 8 voices with Filtering and saturation plus Reverb and Delay FX, you can build some deep textures and landscapes.

ODD-1 has three modes of operation:
Synth mode for combining multiple samples
Loops Mode - four independent loop buffers
Live mode - transform a live audio input

And yeah, we know this is somewhat over the 5 minutes length, but with such a lot of evolving sound, its hard to keep it short!

ODD-1 is also available as a plug-in ODD-1V has he same features but in software only."

Terrain Synth: Conductive Labs - Knobcon 2026

video upload by sonicstate

"Since the last coverage, the Terrain Synth now includes a developed patch set, a Favourite section and expanded effects routing. The effects menu offers multiple topologies; previously, the four effects slots ran only in series. The synth also includes FM-style sounds, harmonic and inharmonic processing, overdrive and distortion in some patches, plus a built-in vector synth that sweeps through four voices.

The Terrain engine works like a table-based oscillator, but the sound is traced by complex paths rather than a single wavetable line. Parameters are modulatable, with an LFO and envelope available per parameter. The graphics show the terrain, vector movement and harmonic behaviour directly.

The Kickstarter price is $999 for around six to eight weeks, then retail pricing moves to $1199. Shipping is expected in about six weeks.

More Info:
https://conductivelabs.com
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/..."

Dreamcatcher Synthesizer Frequency Factory - Knobcon 2026

video upload by sonicstate

"Sean from Frequency Factory gave us a look at Dreamcatcher Synthesizer, his first prototype as a hardware granular synth with sample-based operation, FM and wavetable oscillators, onboard effects and direct recording.

The synth comes preloaded with samples, and it can also capture external instruments or process incoming audio for real-time granulation. The granular engine takes small pieces of a sample, overlaps and layers them, arpeggiates grains across octaves, and reverses playback. Controls include density, grain size, position and spread, with randomisation for density, size and position. Grains can play forward, backward, or switch direction randomly.

The effects section includes comb, band-pass, low-pass, high-pass and notch filtering, plus reverb and delay. The comb filter self-resonates with feedback, and key tracking ties delay time to keyboard pitch. The wavetable oscillator reads from the same sample bank, with variable frame cycling and frequency modulation.

More Info: https://frequencyfactorysynths.com"

Also see Catsynth TV's video here.

DemonBox Eternal Research - Knobcon 2026

video upload by sonicstate

"We spoke to Jordan from Eternal Research about DemonBox, a triangular electromagnetic instrument and controller. He explained how it reacts to electromagnetic fields from motors, magnets, speakers, phones and other implements, turning those interactions into audio, CV and MIDI.

DemonBox has 33 inductors on its surface, arranged as three channels of 11 in concentric spirals. It has no internal oscillators or tone generators; the audio output comes from disturbances in the electromagnetic field, closer to a wide-field pickup than a synth voice. MIDI notes control instruments such as HydraSynth, while MIDI data can also drive TouchDesigner visuals and DMX lighting via conversion.

The unit includes three external audio inputs, one for each inductor channel. Incoming audio can be mixed with the knobs, and it also affects outgoing MIDI and CV. MIDI runs over USB-C, the unit is powered by 5V USB power, and CV is available for modular hardware. DemonBox is priced at $999, with an in-person Knobcon 26 offer including a free Ferris wheel order.
More Info: https://eternalresearch.com"

Regen: Synclavier Music - Knobcon 2026

video upload by sonicstate

"We spoke to Michael Glanton from Synclavier Music about Regen, the company's desktop synthesizer. He explained that it uses the same DSP engine as Arturia's Synclavier V and Synclavier Go.

Regen is a 12-part multitimbral instrument, with each timbre assignable to its own MIDI channel or layered on the same channel. Each timbre contains up to 12 partials, and each partial supports additive synthesis, subtractive synthesis, samples, and resynthesized sample material. It also includes a resonant filter section plus DSP effects such as delays, reverbs and bit crushing.

The new development discussed was PSVIO, an audio interface based on the original Synclavier systems. It uses R2R ladder DACs and includes inputs and outputs. Regen itself has no inputs, so an upcoming software update adds direct sample recording when used with PSVIO.

The demonstrated workflow records a sample, maps it to the keyboard, sets a start point, analyses it, auto-tunes it and converts it into additive synthesis frames for looping and modulation.

Regen is proiced at $2499 with the Regen Knob - the iconic Synclaiver control at $349"

Long Division Stereo Kanawha Music and Art - Knobcon 2026

video upload by sonicstate

"Chris Nagorka from Kanawha Music and Art gave us a look at Long Division Stereo and a Eurorack system, including a new phaser, Filternator filters and a matching LFO.

The current Long Division version is stereo and uses divide-down tone generation in the style of older electric pianos and organs. It offers square-wave and narrow-pulse outputs, with analog tone production and wavefolding; only the MIDI board is digital. Each note has its own keying circuit, and notes alternate between left and right every six notes, with panning available per note.

The phasers are exact copies of the 1970s Crumar Roadrunner chorus circuit. The Filternator is a passive Eurorack filter with no power requirement, switch-selected high-pass and low-pass settings, and a CV-controllable mix. The LFO cycles down to one cycle per minute and can drive phasers and filters on alternate cycles.

Products are available direct. The filter is $100 in the US, the phaser and LFO are $225 each, and Long Division Stereo is $1,750.

More Info: ‪@KanawhaMusic‬
https://kanawhamusic.com"

SISKworks Cassettone modified tape instrument - Knobcon 2026

video upload by sonicstate

"Mike from SISKworks showed us the Modified Tape Player Prototype, a motor-controlled cassette instrument developed from his earlier "poor man's Mellotron" idea.

He explained that the original version uses one continuous tape loop with a constant tone. Five buttons trigger playback, and each button has a knob that tunes motor speed for a different pitch. The newer prototype keeps that five-key approach and adds a Daisy microprocessor for delay, reverb, filter, harmonizer and reverse grain effects.

The control knobs adjust the last effect engaged, and the filter can self-oscillate slightly. The unit also includes a step sequencer with normal, reverse, bounce and random directions. Steps can be switched on or off, and tempo, length, glide and swing are adjustable. A hold mode latches the last key for drone use.

The prototype includes gate, CV and clock inputs, and it is planned for 1V/oct tuning. It can use tape loops or full-length cassettes, but it does not record to tape. Pricing is not set, and the final version is likely to be desktop rather than Eurorack.

A lovely collection of hand made custom sound devices here:
https://www.siskworks.com/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/SISKworks"

LeviaSynth Deeper function ASM - Knobcon 2026

video upload by sonicstate

"Ken from ASM gave us a look at LeviaSynth, focussing on some of the nifty ways to controll all that synthesis - 16 voices with 8 oscillators, 13 envelopes per voice, 5 LFOs. Using the Bias controls, and the copy/paste settings between Oscillators for efficient navigation of this behemoth.

The signal path includes the digital filters from Hydrasynth, plus analog gain, analog saturation and an analog filter section. It supports upper and lower layers, key splits and crossfeeds, and the keyboard version includes a refined poly-touch keybed.

Ken shows us stereo mode by splitting eight analog filters left and eight right, with detuning available per side. Stereo behaviour can apply to carriers, modulation, or both. The engine includes 144 algorithms, custom algorithms and smooth morphing between algorithms, with FM, phase distortion, pulse-width modulation and phase modulation available in combination.

Pricing is around $2,499 for the keyboard and $1,999 for the desktop, with dealer pricing to confirm."

ASM Leviasynth - Sounds Only - Knobcon 2026

video upload by sonicstate

"Jim from Earmonkey Music sits down with the *ASM Leviasynth *at the Knobcon 2026 show from last week. We have him to thank for all of these videos from the show.

The Leviasynth is Ashun Sound Machines flagship synthesizer, with 16 voices, each with twin filters, (analog and digital), 8 oscillator per voice, 13 envelopes, 5 LFOs plus FX engine with multiple FX. Contolled by a polyphonic Aftertouch keybed and a ribbon controller."

Arturia Pure Sub Bass Machine - PatchFLIP

video upload by sonicstate

"We flip some patches with the ‪@ArturiaOfficial‬ Arturia Pure Sub, a monophonic bass synthesizer plug-in . It has a sub oscillator, a morphing additive harmonics generator with up to 32 partials, or a VA with morphing between waveforms , a texture engine, a filter, and up to twelve effects slots, plus a separate FX processor stage for detune, colour, presence and space.
Modulation comes from envelopes, function generators, randomisation and macros.

The sound sits firmly in modern bass territory, from Reese and wub to distorted 808s and hard front end, keeping weight in the low end while holding useful mid-range. Pure Sub is available now at 49 or 79 euros."

00:00:00 Introduction
00:02:26 Patch flipping favourites
00:06:15 Building a preset: main engine
00:06:48 Harmonic additive section
00:08:22 Texture engine
00:09:30 Filter
00:10:07 Effects and processing
00:10:54 Modulation and pitch envelope
00:14:36 Amount processor
00:20:48 Price and availability

See the announcement post here.